Jackals are small omnivorous mammals of the genus Canis, which also includes wolves, coyotes, and dogs. While the word "jackal" has historically been used for many small canids, in modern use it most commonly refers to 3 species: the closely related black-backed jackal and side-striped jackal of sub-Saharan Africa, and the golden jackal of south-central Eurasia.
Jackals and coyotes (sometimes called the "American jackal") are opportunistic omnivores, predators of small to medium-sized animals and proficient scavengers. Their long legs and curved canine teeth are adapted for hunting small mammals, birds, and reptiles; and their large feet and fused leg bones give them a physique well-suited for long-distance running, capable of maintaining speeds of 16 km/h (9.9 mph) for extended periods of time. Jackals are crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk.
Their most common social unit is a monogamous pair, which defends its territory from other pairs by vigorously chasing intruding rivals and marking landmarks around the territory with their urine and feces. The territory may be large enough to hold some young adults, which stay with their parents until they establish their own territories. Jackals may occasionally assemble in small packs, for example, to scavenge a carcass, but they normally hunt either alone or in pairs.
Appearances[]
Jackals can be seen in several episodes.
The 1st episode a jackal appeared in was "Night Time". A black-backed jackal was among the African night animals Chris and Martin saw on their trip.
Another black-backed jackal was among the animals scratching themselves in "Superclaws" (it was shown between 4 cheetah cubs and a rock hyrax).
Several more black-backed jackals appeared in "Armor".
The latest episode to show jackals was "Ants and Eaters", when several banded mongooses hid in a termite mound for protection from the sun and a black-backed jackal, and when a female jackal used another termite mound for shade.